Four Unforgettable Days in Germany: Day Two – Hiking Through Saxon Switzerland National Park

Hey there, fellow freedom-seekers and digital nomads! Ready to swap your laptop for hiking boots? Today, I’m taking you on a virtual journey through the breathtaking Saxon Switzerland National Park. Trust me, this is the kind of adventure that reminds us why we chose the freelance life!

We kicked off the day with a classic German breakfast: two rolls, assorted meats, a boiled egg, butter, and coffee. Delicious and oh-so-German! Fun fact: bread here is practically its own food group. Germans love their rolls with cold cuts, cheese, and veggies for breakfast and dinner. It’s like fuel for freelancers on the go!

Now, let’s talk about Bad Schandau’s unique layout. It’s split into lower and upper towns. To reach the upper town, you can take a lift or hike up a narrow path. Being the adventurous freelancers we are, we chose to hike. It was a challenge, but hey, that’s what we’re all about, right?

As we climbed, we passed houses built right into the cliffs. Talk about extreme remote working locations! At the top, we found a little lake with a duck house and – get this – a fence to protect frogs from hopping onto the road. After seeing underground tunnels for frogs on the autobahn, nothing surprises us anymore!

Entering the national park felt like stepping into a freelancer’s dream office. The Germans have this amazing tradition of hiking, or “wandern.” Families, couples, kids – everyone comes out for a day of adventure. There’s even a folk song about it: “Das wandern ist des Müllers Lust” (“Hiking is the miller’s greatest joy”). Maybe we need a song about the joys of freelancing?

Now, let me tell you about the Schrammstein. This rock formation was our first real test. As we climbed, I discovered a fear of heights I never knew I had! But seeing elderly folks, kids, and even moms with babies tackling these paths? Talk about motivation! It reminded me of those moments when a big project seems overwhelming, but we push through anyway.

Pro tip for fellow freelancers: Sometimes, facing your fears in nature can give you a fresh perspective on work challenges. I realized that what scares us most is often what we can’t control – sound familiar in the freelance world?

After conquering the Schrammstein, we hiked for hours through this natural wonderland. Every turn brought a new breathtaking view. We even found a cave and a café (Kuhstall) at the top of another rock formation. Imagine sipping a cold beer with that view – the perfect spot to brainstorm your next big project!

By the end of the day, we were exhausted but exhilarated. We caught the “historic tram” back to Bad Schandau, feeling like we’d accomplished something truly special. It’s that same feeling you get when you nail a tough deadline or land a great client!

Back at our temporary home base, we cooked lasagna and laughed about our adventures over dinner. That night, I dreamed of mountains and stairs – a far cry from the usual freelance-related dreams!

Travel tips for the savvy freelancer:

• Breakfast in Bad Schandau cafes: €4.70 per person
• Groceries for 4 days of breakfasts and dinners: €29 for two people
• Historic tram ticket: €4 per person
• Water: Pack more than you think you’ll need! There’s no place to buy water in the park.

Remember, even as freelancers, sometimes the best way to recharge our creative batteries is to unplug completely and connect with nature. This hike through Saxon Switzerland National Park did just that for me.

Have you ever taken a day off from your freelance work to explore nature? How did it impact your productivity and mindset? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Next up: We’re off to Prague. They say it’s a beautiful city… Stay tuned for more freelancer adventures!